Australia is now much closer to the full decriminalisation of sex work, with no sex workers left behind

The Sex Industry Bill 2019 was introduced at 10am Wednesday, 18th September 2019 in Parliament of Northern Territories of Australia, with Labor government politicians wearing a hand painted pin of a red umbrella, that has been painted by a sex worker to show appreciation to the Government for prioritising the safety and human rights of sex workers.

Legalife-Ukraine congratutulate The Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP NT), the Sex Worker Reference Group (SWRG) and Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association with presenting a Bill that in its current form proposes the full decriminalisation of sex work, with no sex workers left behind.

Full transcript of Parliament hearings (including introductory speech of Acting Attorney-General and Justice Mr. Gerald Francis McCarthy) is available by the link

"All Territorians deserve to be safe at work, including sex workers. Being a sex worker is a recognised profession in the Northern Territory and we applaud the Government for recognising every Territorian’s workplace rights." states Scarlet Alliance CEO Jules Kim.

SWOP NT Coordinator Leanne Melling adds, "Sex workers also wish to thank stakeholders in the Northern Territory that have supported reforms and active engagement of sex workers as leaders for these reforms. We acknowledge the support of health and justice government and non-government departments and organisations and affiliates of Unions NT, the United Voice and the Australian Services Union. We thank Labor Women and the Labor Party for their support of motions to decriminalise sex work."

The full decriminalisation of sex work is recognised globally as essential to workplace health, safety and rights for sex workers. This is a necessary standard that has been set internationally and through Australia’s STI and BBV strategies nationally.

Photo: Supporters from community, government, health and justice sectors;
For the full decriminalisation of sex work – Northern Territory Sex Industry Bill 2019
• Sandra Nelson, Member for Katherine
• The Hon. Dale Wakefield, Minister for Territory Families
• Chanston Paech, Member for Namatjira and on the Social Policy Scrutiny Committee
• Rachel Umburg NT Working Womens Centre
• Sianne McLachlan NTAHC
• Representatives SWOP NT and SWRG